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| Lifesaving Habit | | | Two-wheelers are the lifeline of millions in the country, offering affordability and convenience in navigating congested urban roads and rural pathways. However, their popularity also comes with significant risks.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, over 35% of fatalities in road accidents involve two-wheeler riders. What’s most alarming is that a large portion of these deaths could have been prevented if riders had worn crash helmets. The simple act of donning a helmet is not merely a legal obligation—it is a lifesaving habit that every two-wheeler rider must adopt.
Two-wheelers offer minimal protection compared to cars. In the event of a collision or fall, the rider’s head is particularly vulnerable to severe injuries. Data consistently shows that head injuries are the leading cause of fatalities and long-term disabilities among two-wheeler accident victims.
A crash helmet is engineered to absorb the impact, reduce the severity of injuries, and increase the chances of survival. Research indicates that wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injury by up to 70% and the likelihood of death by 42%. These figures underscore the importance of helmets as an essential protective shield.
While laws mandating helmet use exist in India, enforcement remains patchy, and compliance is worryingly low, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. For many, wearing a helmet is seen as a burden, a discomfort, or an optional accessory rather than a necessity. This casual attitude stems from a lack of awareness about the consequences of neglecting helmet use.
Public education campaigns must go beyond slogans to emphasize the stark reality of road accidents and the critical role helmets play in saving lives. Schools, colleges, workplaces, and community organizations must work together to instill a culture where helmet-wearing is non-negotiable.
Some riders claim that helmets are uncomfortable, restrict visibility, or are unnecessary for short trips. However, these excuses pale in comparison to the permanent consequences of a preventable head injury.
Advances in helmet design have led to lighter, better-ventilated options that ensure comfort without compromising safety. Moreover, safety is not a matter of distance—accidents can happen anywhere, even on a short ride to the market. Riders must recognize that wearing a helmet is an act of responsibility not just towards themselves but also towards their families, who bear the emotional and financial burden of accidents.
Law enforcement agencies must take stricter measures to enforce helmet laws, including imposing fines and ensuring that helmets are worn properly, not just carried as a formality.
Campaigns like “No Helmet, No Petrol” implemented in some states should be scaled nationwide to drive compliance. |
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